REVIEWS. 
349 
and the difficulties of tlie achievement are therefore fresh and 
vivid in my memory. The method which I have found most 
effectual for the purpose is a simple adaptation of the system 
which M. Baucher applies to the education of the horse. In 
other words, it consists in learning one thing at a time. 
This method I have taken the present opportunity briefly 
to explain. It is, I need scarcely remark, exclusively in¬ 
tended for the use of inexperienced horsemen. It cannot 
change a good rider into a first-rate one ; but I believe that, 
if perseveringly and intelligently practised, it will enable a 
bad rider to become a tolerable one.^’ 
This is cheering news, and may well tempt the retired and 
occasionally ennuyee citizen to make the essat. 
The author disclaims all pretention to originality; the 
principles which he advocates are those which M. Baucher 
propounded five and thirty years ago, divested of all embel¬ 
lishment, and presented in their real practical simplicity. 
At the outset the statements of some high authorities as to 
the possible acquirement of the equestrian art are controverted. 
At page 1 we find the following: 
The once celebrated Nimrod pronounces that no man 
whose thighs are round, or whose calves are large, can ever 
ride well; and a far better judge, the clever writer who signs 
himself ‘ Harry Hieover,’ has indorsed the vulgar opinion 
that no man can become a horseman who has not been used 
to riding from his childhood. It is quite time that these 
prejudices, so derogatory to the science of equestrianism, and 
to the spirit and intelligence of pedestrian Englishmen, should 
be resolutely protested against.” 
Notwithstanding we incline to the opinion that in the 
sense in which they used the word ‘‘ horseman,” both Nimrod 
and Harry Hieover are right in their conclusions. 
Pursuing the same line of argument the author continues 
at page 3: 
What will be the consequence if a grown man can be 
shown how to use not only his limbs and muscles, but his 
reason and memory for the purpose ? I answer that in a 
month he will possess as perfect a seat as his natural aptitude 
for riding would have permitted him to acquire if he had 
passed his whole life in the saddle.” 
We take this reply as the natural expression of a man who 
has succeeded himself in reaping the full benefit of the 
system which he advocates, rather than as a truly prophetic 
enunciation of general results. Mr. Phillips has a perfect 
right to his own view of the matter. We are for the natu¬ 
ral aptitude,” and the whole life in the saddle,” against all 
